[ He thought on that a moment, blinking in surprise. In an Empire made of isles, boosted by the whale trade, it was impossible to think anyone did not know the sea.

But then, Rebecca hadn't known much of such things either and chuckled quietly. Quickly, he finished his glass, tipping it top down. ]

As a boy, yes. I joined the navy young. Until I was given over, the sea was most of what I knew. [ He smiled a little more. ] Then, it was a river instead. [ Always, always by the water of some kind. ]