Ocean's Breath Plateau the space between lives

it was concise, but something, at least. shearwater. it sounded sharp, harsh; he imagined rocky cliffs and stormy seas, and saw that atmosphere in her eyes, as well. he wanted more--needed more, really--but chose to leave it at that, nodding instead. an uneasy quiet fell between them for another few moments, the hush of waves in the near distance the only sound. he breathed deep and soft, feeling his ribs ache under the strain. finally, he smiled, slowly blinking.

"i've traveled a lot, and never heard of it," govinda remarked, thinking the response innocuous enough and not catching onto the fact that it could offend the regal woman. "shearwater." he became silent once more, pursing his lips, sealing in the name.