Eras watched the way the others scrambled when the Lieutenant of Akros stood up from his meal. Quick and jarring in their heavy armor. Trained in their own customs which he was sure to discover. He’d been educated in some ways of Akros but many things were deeply ingrained for Eras. He was too old to learn new tricks and he was of a position within Dusan that he didn’t feel the need to try the exaggerated prostrating that was common with Akros slaves. He was not just any slave, but the slave of the Duke, and highly regarded at that. The only other slaves that outranked him belonged to the King himself and serving such men came with a certain level of prestige, not degradation.<br/><br/>Sarhet inclined his head in response, looking once more to Eras before stepping out, trusting that the foreigner was in quite capable hands. He would go and see that final preparations were all well in place for this evenings festivities.<br/><br/>“Allow me to show you the way then, when you are ready,” Eras said, opening one of the doors that led down a hallway of cool marble. The man hardly looked at him, probably used to ignoring those serving him. He wasn’t offended. “Through the archway. There is a bath in each wing of the palace, so you and your men will have one to yourself. If you or anyone would prefer a basin instead, I can arrange that.”<br/><br/>Once the lieutenant seemed ready Eras led him down the long hallway and opened the archway door so that he could enter. The bath was more a large communal pool, the bottom a colorful assortment of stained glass. There were divots in the floor and water flowed over through them, both carrying fresh water in and taking it away.<br/><br/>“There’s a sump where groundwater collects, is purified, and then run back through the marble pathways.” The arching windows were opened, letting the heat of the sun inside, to warm the pool but only slightly. Dusanians preferred the cooler water to bathe in. Eras talked freely, offering explanations without fear of reprimand. He was still respectfully polite, as a far as Dusanian standards went. Warm and accommodating. “If you’d prefer it heated I could send for a few buckets.” He moved the curtains aside further, using rope to tie them still. Letting in more of the salt air and making sure he would be able to see the waves crashing methodically along the shore while he bathed. “This is my favorite bath with its view of the ocean. Duke Sarhet’s overlooks Atla,” he commented, hoping that he appreciated it.<br/><br/>“Would you like me to help you out of your clothing?” Eras asked whereas usually, he wouldn’t have hesitated. He was reading the man’s body language, not so easy and relaxed as what he was used to. “Or do Akrosian leaders bathe alone?”