The Sentinels gayatri

his laugh was rich and sweet like smoke-steeped whiskey, and it struck her at once that it was too pure for a place that had been so tarnished.  her mouth made an o, before she was able to remember herself, and she hoped that he didn't catch how openly she stared.  i am, she said, nimbly prancing over the branch, the very best.

she looked over her shoulder, where the sea crashed against the stone walls.  i can show you some time, if you'd like.