He knew then that the time had come.
He held her very close to him.
He had filched his soul from the sea. He who was something come from the sea, and of the sea; and always belonging to the sea.
He had betrayed the sea.
"Little girl."
"I'm not—afraid."
"Little girl."
"I couldn't stay on—without you. I always knew—always—that some time you'd—go—back."
"You're not—scared?"
"Just—hold—me—tight."