“Very impressive.. a castle fit for a Chume.”

The girl smiled sleepily and moments later was smothering a yawn with her hand as she appraised her handiwork. “I'm not tired,” she protested, before anything further could be said.

Dusting sand from his palms, Salem got to his feet. “You aren't?” he lifted an eyebrow and smiled as Beatrix shook her head. “Well, I am. I'm going to bed.. and I think I'll take Fiona the Firaxan shark with me.”

At the thought of her precious stuffed shark being shared with anyone, the young Chume had a sudden change of heart. “But I'm more tired. I should get Fiona.”

Head tilted back, Salem favored her with a knowing smile then held out his arms to her. “Come on, then. Up you come.”