Seeing the look at the clothes, Essek hastily explains that they're scavenged from the island itself, mostly by other people who have brought them in for him. The pants are decidedly not his - Caleb won't mind. But he doesn't add that detail.

Still, the wish brings a faint flush to his cheeks, tingling the tips of his ears. A feeling washes through him, one that he tries to hold back at first - over the years he had grown accustomed to hiding his thoughts from everyone, including his brother. Having him here is bringing out old habits again, but it's clear that they're fighting a losing battle. A softer, real smile comes to his lips, because there's no denying this simple truth at least.

"It has."

Essek lets the admission hang in the air a moment before he gives another easy wave of his hand, murmuring a spell Verin likely easily recognizes, but especially when it starts to lift the extra moisture from his skin and hair, leaving him fully dry and clean.

"Get dressed while I get us something to drink, and then you can ask any more questions you like while I fix your hair."