Constans hesitated at Thais' approach, his bucket of water dangling and momentarily forgotten in the mouth of the well. He remained frozen in place like a rabbit in front of an oncoming carriage while she addressed him, his usually expressionless features being gradually flooded with mild bafflement.
"Hello, enchanter Thais," he managed uncertainly. What reason could the mage have for asking after his bathing habits? There was a distinct possibility, he recognized, that she was being intentionally inappropriate. He would once have engaged in such behavior himself, and he was familiar enough with this woman to know that it was not outside the bounds of her behavior. It was important not to allow such abuses against his person. Despite this, he did not wish to become offensive himself by making an incorrect assumption regarding her intent. Had she not already explained to him the innocence of her intentions?
Constans looked at his feet, unaware of the two other mage women also observing the conversation. He leaned to the side of caution, attempting to be diplomatic... so much so as he could be said to grasp the concept. "I had not intended to be covered in soot forever."