There were many disadvantages to living in the forest. Being more or less constantly exposed to the elements was a key one. At least, in his case, learning to do without the luxuries that he had grown up with was also unpleasant, especially after eagerly anticipating them the entire journey back from the Holy Land.
But, as he studied himself in the crystalline surface of the stream, he did not understand what Marian had meant when she called him "scruffy." The beard was not that bad. In fact, he thought, rubbing his hand across his chin, it made him look a bit older. More distinguished. Of course, it did.
He shrugged and turned away. Living in the forest had its advantages, too.
Such as, no ready access to a mirror.