Krem caught Thomas's curious glance, and he smiled about that as well. It was nice, just to be under that scrutiny for a moment. He laughed, softly--the night deserved quietness and softness right now--as Thomas shuffled in the water.

"I don't think the water's listened to your advice on how warm it ought to be," Krem said, voice soft and teasing. He curled his toes into the sand and let his feet and ankles adapt to the water. It didn't take long.

"I bet, by mid August, it will be quite pleasant. If the river that cuts through town were deeper out in the countryside, that'd be nice too, I think."