"You sat there all night, back can't feel good after that," Krem replied with a shrug, then a yawn, rolling himself up and out of bed. He could use that hot spring right about now. "Stretch a bit and the blood should flow a little easier."

With his back turned to Cole, Krem took a moment to change out of yesterday's clothes, which desperately needed a wash, without removing his vest or smallclothes just yet. A pair of thick, comfortable pants and short-sleeved tunic later, and Krem was looking a good deal more relaxed than usual, even if he was still favoring his side, which was an ugly blue, green and grey mass of bruising still.