[Barclay turns at the sound of her voice. His whole face crinkles up with laughter. The winter stole away most of his tan, but he's getting it back quickly, she can see; the tip of his nose is slightly pink where he managed to dodge away, scoffing at the notion of contemporary sunscreen.

(He'll be thankful later, in the summer. When he's reminded that sunburn is a thing.)

You know what's really weird, though. The single ocean wave that was gliding along behind him abruptly stops, waiting behind him, water churning through its hooked shape. It's like something out of a movie, and he totally doesn't notice.] Oh this one is lovely, [he says, stooping to pick it up.] And I promise, I'm not doing this to spite Vex. They are quite lovely. Strange, I'd forgotten that the sea was something to admire after all those years trying not to die upon her.