I thought sooner might be better, before avoidance becomes a habit.

[It's a confession, more than an explanation.]

People will expect you to use the bath-houses. And I've heard some Tethe'allans complaining that the ex-Sylvaranti smell, so I gather most of you haven't been aware of the custom. It was a needed introduction.

[He grimaces, pulling hands from hair, reaching for the water to rinse.]

But we were --- extraordinarily unlucky.