"Ah." He doesn't say anything for a moment, clearing his throat self-consciously, which was a strange sound, even to his own ears. "Hot ash, yes."

"I'll...leave you to your modesty, then. Give a shout when you're ready for me again, yes?"

He may have been more accustomed to a life of privilege, but he'd spent more than two years on his own now. He could give a hand and not whine about it, and this was the best apology for his obvious transgression he could offer. Still...he had one more question before he left her to her bath.

"Though...since I've already made a terrible mess of a perfectly fine friendship...how long? Has your...have you been limited in the function of your hands?"