The bathing chamber in the house was large enough for a tub that could easily accommodate four adults, as well as a smaller tub half that size and shallower. The room's floor and walls were tiled in colorful patterns. The tubs were elevated on platforms over fires, and open windows close to the roofline let the smoke out to ensure the room did not become unbearable.

"The small one is for children," Ardlac explained. "It hasn't been used in some time."

"Do entire families bathe together?" Li asked, surprised by the size of the large tub.

Ardlac shrugged. "Periodically. My father and I did not. This is simply the most common style of bathing chambers in large houses."

They both undressed and settled into the tub, which Ilya had prepared with fragrant flower petals that Li didn't recognize. The water was much warmer than it ever was when bathing on the Gryphon, thanks to the fires, and Li sighed at the simple comfort. Bathing was a common practice in Mahlon, but it was usually done in metal tubs beside hearths where the water was heated before being poured into the tub. Being close to the fire was meant to keep the water warm for longer periods, but baths still went cold rather quickly. To be in a tub of water situated over a fire seemed like a wonderful idea to him.

"I could bathe this way for the rest of my life," he said with another sigh.

Ardlac chuckled and offered him a bar of soap. It smelled like the flower petals, but more concentrated. He used it to wash his body, face, and hair, ducking under the water to rinse the latter parts. When they had both cleaned themselves, Li reluctantly followed Ardlac form the tub and dried himself with the towel Ardlac gave him. They then dressed in simple robes that tied closed, and Ardlac led him back upstairs.

"Ilya will wash our clothes for us and tend to the water," Ardlac explained.

Once back in Ardlac's room, Li waited while Ardlac chose clothing for each of them. Li was thankful Ardlac was a bit larger than he was, and not the reverse, as it meant he could wear some of Ardlc's clothing. Still, the supple breeches felt confining around his legs and groin, but Ardlac assured him it was the fashion of the time. He was happier with the blue shirt he was given, which fit comfortably and was adorned with a few simple gray patterns at the seams. Ardlac wore a finer outfit, one he admitted was the best he owned. The breeches and shirt were silver and violet embroidery decorated the edges with ocean waves. The coat he set aside was the inverse of the rest of the outfit, deep violet with silver designs. He then shaved his short beard, revealing skin a slightly paler shade of tan beneath, as well as the tattooed line down the center of his chin.

Li had never seen Ardlac without facial hair. It was certainly a surprising sight, but he was also aware that Ardlac was just as wonderful to gaze at with the beard or without. He supposed he would quickly grow accustomed to Ardlac's beardless appearance.

"I don't know how long I'll be at the palace," Ardlac confessed. "I'll inform Ilya that you may explore the house and that nothing is restricted. I'm certain she would be happy to give you a more detailed tour, or help you if you need anything."

Li was only mildly surprised to realize he wasn't to accompany Ardlac to the palace. He supposed it wasn't his place to be with Ardlac while he settled his father's public affairs. He would be with him for the private matters. Admittedly, Li wasn't certain how he would have felt to be taken to the palace and forced to interact with those connected to the royal family. Surely he was too much an outsider to be considered a worthy guest of the palace. He also considered that perhaps what Ardlac's father did for the court wasn't a high enough position to warrant Ardlac being a guest himself for very long. Ardlac had said he had been a purchaser of goods for the court's use. Li was certain what authority or prestige such a position would grant the holder of it.

A sudden realization came to Li then. "You said once that your father's position was a hereditary one. Is it to be yours then?"

Ardlac sighed. "I'm not certain. They may have offered it to someone else in my absence. If it is offered to me I will tell them it's something I will need to consider, and that I still have obligations with the Gryphon. I have no intention of remaining here while you return to the ship."

"Perhaps I might enjoy life here, once my affairs are settled," Li told him, and he meant it. "Wherever you wish to be, I will be happy."

Ardlac finished shaving and stepped close to kiss Li lightly. "Thank you. I hope I won't be gone long, and I'll tell you everything when I return. I won't make any certain decisions without considering you or speaking to you about the future."

Li nodded. "I know."

He then watched as Ardlac skillfully braided his hair using the same mirror he had used to shave. The braid secured, he opened a small box on the edge of his desk. Li moved so he was standing closer and observed Ardlac as he removed a number of metal charms and glass beads. The charms included whales, ships, and birds, while the beads were in colors that complimented the violet and silver of his clothing. There were seemingly endless options from the countless charms and beads within the box. Li assumed Ardlac had collected them throughout his lifetime. Ardlac strung the chosen items onto a clear thread, then used a needle to weave the thread through his hair, adjusting the position of the charms and beads as he did so.

"I'm a bit unpracticed," Ardlac said when he noticed Li watching. When he finished he tied a violet ribbon around the end of his braid, covering the simple leather tie he'd used. He then added a few more dangling charms, these ones using clips attached to the charms to fasten them to his hair. Then he donned his coat and a pair of low boots and nodded to himself. "This will have to do. If I don't look as though I'm the son of a wealthy palace purchaser they will assume it's due to having been at sea for years."

Li smiled as he assessed Ardlac's appearance. "I think you look wonderful, but I'm only a lowly Mahlonian cuffer."

Ardlac smiled at him. "Your opinion means more to me than a court full of powerful men and the queen all at once."

Li embraced him. "I'll be here, waiting to hear everything that happened."

Ardlac kissed him gently. "Thank you," he said yet again.