Normally, Ellis bathes early, returns to the Gallows late enough to avoid company most nights. His steps only falter briefly on his way to the bathing pools, but momentum carries him all the way forward, through the discarding of two towels and into the water.

"Enjoying yourself?" with a nod to the book in his hand.

It seems polite to make some small talk while slouching into the warm water, at least as far as Ellis is concerned.