Essek's hands fall still for a moment, but then he uses his grip on his hair to pull his brother's head back into his lap with a gentle but insistent tug while he leans forward to look down at him.

"I have no expectation, Verin," Essek sighs, "least of all today. But I know you to be a man who prefers to hear the truth, even when it is hard." It is one of many traits Essek loves and respects him for, even if he remains selective about what he decides to share. "So I told you what I believe to be true. Neither of us can do anything yet."

His soft voice grows softer, and a damp hand cradles Verin's cheek in reverse. "All I want you to do is bathe and rest, for now."

He hates that echo in Verin's voice, too. It frightens him. His brother never sounded like this before he went to Bazzoxan. His shoulders were never so heavy, nor his eyes so sad. The Verin Essek has known for so much of his life has changed. He has been hardened and shattered by his position, the responsibility and expectation placed upon him, and on no day has that ever been more apparent than this one. Essek loves him. He wishes he had a better plan. But he will.

Leaning down, Essek brushes his lips to Verin's in an upside-down kiss, short and sweet. The dark fabric of his slip has grown wet and soapy, but he pays it no mind.