I see what she did there.

[island_of_reil]

So. That scene in which Nysander casts the "intrinsic nature" spell on Seregil, turning him into... an otter. As in the animal. And Alec strokes his pelt and exclaims, "You're beautiful!"

OK, granted, I can't remember whether Seregil is described as hairy or not. I don't think he was. But still.

BTW, this is before, but not hugely long before, the UST starts to show up in earnest.