Krem hummed, contemplatively. He stooped down into the surf again, this time lifting the salt water up to his face and hair. It was a shock, but a rather pleasant one now. It beat a laugh out of his chest.

"I don't know yet," he said honestly. "I've been thinking of most of these for months. Some of them are newer ideas than others. But most of them--at least since I got my crook and flail in November."

Krem smiled as he watched Thomas move about in the surf. He stood and crossed over to him, curling his arms around his waist.