[ It should probably be offputting, her scrutiny, but simply it isn't. His hair is swooped into place with careful and practiced comb strokes, held, checked in the mirror, and tied.

He takes up the necktie he'd tossed next to the mirror. The surface on which its placed looked to be a writing desk in another life. ]

I didn't see much of the sun, by the time I was capable, [ he says, and clarifies, ] of a beard.

[ He opens the draw, putting away grooming implements. ]

It is preference. Preferred among gentlemen, and the fashion of my Circle.