Palamedes has been so deep in his own head these last couple days that the sound of his own name gives him a start. He looks up sharply and his eyes go wide, but before he can voice his surprise, he loses his balance and tumbles from his crouched position backwards onto the sand.

Another wave laps forward, tickling his scalp. Palamedes manages to raise himself up to his elbows with as much dignity as he can muster, given the situation.

Emperor's bones, it is her. "...Ninth?"