There is a brief look of reproach at Verin's comment about his layers (six isn't actually far off), but Essek is glad that his brother is joking at all. In the interest of playing along, and not dunking his sleeves any further, he stands and begins unwinding the sash around his waist holding his outer layer of robes closed.

He shares Verin's visceral reluctance when it comes to seeing their Umavi, but it is inevitable. He is mildly surprised that neither of them has received a Sending from her yet--or her assistant, if she was feeling especially formal.

"No," Essek agrees decisively. "You are staying here. After I clarified that very publicly, she cannot insist otherwise. The very last thing we need is the Umavi watching your every move."

The sash slides free with a hiss of fabric. Essek folds it over the nearby changing screen, then lets his robe slip from his shoulders. Beneath he is wearing a long tunic, and a skirt under that, and more still under that. "And I want you with me." The robe is floated to a hook by the door, and Essek deliberates for a moment before starting on the delicate hidden hook and eye closures of his tunic. It makes his pulse flutter a bit with subtle nerves, knowing that someone is watching him undress, even if it is only Verin.

"I will go with you to see her," he says. He certainly isn't inviting her here.