The baths are fed by a hot spring - one of the reasons several Sisters are so into scented soaps is to try and compensate for the whiff of sulphur - and cleverly built so it's not hard to fill the great soaking-tub with hot water, but that does still mean operating some sluice gate stuff to fill and drain it. If Guts has watched it happen and figured out how to do it on his own, good for him, Lashan's not heading over there herself until she's gotten to doze off for a few hours.

"It's a balm recipe from the plains that feels hot and cold. Good for body aches, but don't get it near damaged skin or anything sensitive. Aumin's got her own version if you're too fussy for medicated wool fat, you can go knock her up if you want that or some kind of potion. A lot of old people like it." Lashan has decided not to care if he uses it or is too confused by the consistency as long as he doesn't just discard it. She stumps around him back to the porch, ignoring the cat as it watches her, and retrieves the skin of liquid she had sitting out there. Uncorking it, she sniffs the opening and decides it's been long enough.

"You want to try airag, boy? Fermented mare's milk." She pours some white liquid out into a little bowl-shaped cup and raises her eyebrows. "Not really any stronger than small beer. If it's cold I can let it freeze and take out the ice so it's arkhi and that's something to put hair on your chest."