The talk during the walk does make the Bath scene much more odd, agreeded. For the warmth though, I think the idea is that the pipes help warm things up with the day/keep it warmer at night, but it still get's cold during the morning.
Whatever the case, I am quite curious as to the eventual ambassador talk that will go on. Given everything, it almost seems like Ricthor is one of those noble hostages rather than anything else, tbh, so at least Lyre is going places with intrigue.
And as always, Jerico and Fullpurp are lovely co-hosts