Ocean's Breath Plateau times could be much worse

He followed, bearing his solemnity like a heavy mantle over his shoulders. The weight of it would soon crush him, of this Starbuck was certain. She kept pace with him, leading him away from the norhtern-facing edge of the plateau and more towards the center, where all that could be seen was the edge of the night.

And, as she had promised, she listened. He did not see the beauty of the ocean, only the terror. Starbuck was not surprised, then, that he was afraid of it. The sea was bitter steel, a cold edge. She was a sword well-weilded, she was a great and terrible beauty. He insisted on calling the sea She, which Starbuck would not begrudge him. And when he spoke his last, tapering words, Starbuck understood.

He had drowned, or near enough. Sit, she bid him as she settled, first on her haunches and then sphynx-like upon the ground.