David
Kadho's port was always a busy place. It was a never-ending flow of motion, from deckhands to captains, port hands and fleet attendants, all trying to manage their own individual cargo and ships. It was never, ever quiet, not even in the darkest hours of the night and *Especially* Not the earliest hours of the morning. In came a ship adorned with the Cydonian crest upon its sail, a first rate caravel carrying several bushels of crop and a dozen or so crates filled with cold, hard money from across the sea. For many days now, the S.S. Sinker - unfortunate she be named - has been further upshore trading with Mentian militants - armor and spears for coin and crops, so that they may be used to purchase more spears and armor to sell to the militants once again. This was the cycle of trade that all in Kadho had become used to, and that na'er changed when war came knocking on their doorstep.

[ [*The Port Town of Kadho*](< ]

Among those on the port was a familiar Kemonomimi, who's brown hair and hazel eyes glistened light within the morning rays. In the past few years, she had gotten accustomed to the life of a sailing manager. Ever since she left her contract in Upper Mentia, she had returned home and purchased a trading ship impulsively to further her parents business along in the world and make more of a name for herself. It had suited her quite well.

An older man disboarded the ship from the plank, carrying with him a wooden board with several sheets of paper tacked to it. This list was handed to his superior, who looked over and then gave her thumbs-up of approval.
*"Fits the bill to me, Cap'n,"* She said, *"Glad you made it back in one piece."*

The Captain laughed.
*"'Course, wouldn't be the ole' Sinker if it sank! Bahahha!"*

Carlyn sometimes regretted giving it that name, but she smiled and laughed with him anyways. When their short interaction came to a close, Captain Moorse returned up the plank the begin giving orders to him men where to take each crate of goods. Most of the coin and all the crop would be transported to the Kadho General Store further upshore, but a portion of which remained on the ship to line the pockets of the sailors aboard. They all seemed happy to finally be back where their families were, and with money to buy them drinks. Even Carlyn felt pleased with the outcome, and always did. It felt good to make an old sailor smile.

As for the girl herself, she stayed upon the port and called orders to the deckhands that brought her goods. When she had the chance, a line was drawn through with a pen to indicate each piece of good that came off the ship. It was the best way for her to keep track of what she had made over the course of a venture, and as per always, it was *Quite* Well. Even if none of the money would go directly to her, it was still more than enough to put a smile on her face.
Thomas
*Livio had never been on a ship before. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he wasn't familiar with ports either.*

*Nevertheless, here he wandered. He had heard there was a ship ran by the Cydonian merchant family, and he knew one girl by that name. An old friend, who he had not visited in quite some time.*

*Standing out with his fresh white cloak, polished but not shined shoes, and silver hair and golden eyes that could sell for the precious metals themselves was the mercenary. He looked around, attempting to find a short, brown dog, perhaps with a spear on her back.*

*Eventually, he would spot her, and would wave.*

"Carlyn! Long time no see!"
David
No spear rested upon her back.
T'was clear that she had laid combat to the wayside in favor of returning to her previous life. Yet her family crest itself was of a spear and an apple, so perhaps, she hadn't laid down the spear itself after all. A new form of aid and guidance enters the life of those who leave their previous ones behind, and that was no different for the young woman.

Her ears twitched at the sound of her name being called, not for it being her name - no. She had heard her name so many dozens or hundreds of times in a day that it actually grew tiresome.
No, it was the tone of the voice that said it. That voice.

She looked over to Livio and her soft smile beamed to a greater one. He was met with probably a bit more Carlyn than he was anticipating, because she wordlessly damn near *Tackled* Him. He probably was more than capable of holding her weight, but it was still fairly unexpected.

...Or, was it?
This was Carlyn, after all.
She's just as peppy as ever.

*"Hi, hi!"* She quickly interjected, reeling back and taking a look at his face. It was clear she had a lot going on in her head. *"Uhm... Uhm, uh, NIKLAUS!"*
Sorry for screaming that in your face Livio. Carlyn just as quickly let go and spun around, calling again much louder, *"NIIIKKLAAAAAUUUSSSAAAAA!"*

A young deckhand came damn near *Barreling* Down the plank to his supervisor, raising his hand in a salute.
*"YES, MA'AM, CARLYN... SIR... MA'AM!"*

...There was so much going on, it was a lot to take in.
Thomas
*Livio's usual smug smile was on his face, though his eyes widened in surprise as the dog practically threw herself at him like a javelin. His arms wrapped around in order to hold her as the force of the blow sent him several steps backward.*

"Woah! Someone's excited to see me. How has the dog been?"

*His hair blasted back as Carlyn accidentally screamed in his face like a howling wind. Regardless, he was undeterred, as a hand reached up on her head to ruffle her ears, something he hadn't done in quite some time.*

"Seems like you've been building up quite the business, eh?"
David
She handed the paperwork to the boy as a hand felt between her ears. It was just as much a refreshing experience for her as it was for him. She missed it. And, well, she had missed him.

*"Fit the bills and steadfast. You're two minutes behind, go! Go, off ya' go!"* Carlyn shoo'd off the deckhand with her paperwork and turned to face Livio again. It took everything in her power not to jump him again. 

*"Never not busy!"* She replied, *"Great, never better actually! I've always got something to work towards. It's been building my crew as of late. I've become a pretty skilled manager of my own vessel! She's beautiful, isn't she?"* 

A hand pointed at the craft. It was a mighty fine vessel for sure, made of sturdy planks of an unspecified material and built to last. It was dwarfed by many of the other galleons at the port but for a first trading vessel, the caravel made quite damn well. She looked extremely proud of it.
Thomas
"So you're building your own little kingdom over here huh? Looks like they listen well."

*The words were followed by more headpats, getting every little detail between her ears. He took a look at the ship as Carlyn pointed towards it; it was surely impressive to him. While not as large as the other galleons, Carlyn didn't start out as a maritime trader. His vision soon funneled once he saw the vessel's name though, his forehead scrunching up as squinted, trying to make sure that he wasn't hallucinating.*

"Does that say... The S.S Sinker?"
David
*"Eh... Well... I... Thought it was funny, and it's certainly earned me a reputation."*

All of her confidence had been crushed with that simple detail. Her face was a bit red with embarrassment, and she quickly turned the conversation away from her ship. With head turned away to avoid eye contact, she took his wrist in hand and started walking. 

*"C'mon. If we don't get outta here Captain Moorse is gonna start asking if we're married and then it'll gett awkward. Let's catch up while we walk, okay?"*
Thomas
"I imagine. Well, it hasn't lived up to its name yet. Hope it never does."

*The headpats got more intense as Carlyn turned red, then stopped as she took his wrist. Despite her smaller size and strength, Livio allowed himself to be dragged along; at least initially. He soon walked alongside her, though he wasn't sure where they were going.*

"Well, you *Are* Grabbing my wrist. Plus, that's not so bad after all, is it? Seemed like you missed me a lot too."
David
Her hand naturally slid from his wrist and into his own. They were just walking without purpose, it seemed. Walking did help talking - at least, Carlyn believed. Every now and again, the girl would wave to a man or woman upon a ship or running crates with a short but friendly greeting. 

*"I totally did not, I just like my friends! I don't get to see them much cause everyone's always busy. Haven't seen Sonja or Sivne since I left Upper Mentia, and I haven't seen you since you last came to visit. So it's been a while and I get excited."*
Thomas
*He certainly didn't expect Carlyn to slip her hand into his. For only being friends, she sure was being affectionate. Maybe it was just that dog in her.*

"Oh, those two are doing just fine as well. They recently offed Galschen, if you haven't heard. I imagine you got busy due to the business, since war is running the economy. So I decided to visit since you were in port."
David
*"Good to hear. I felt kind of bad leaving them when I did but... I had my reasons."* The girl replied, but shook her head and added, *"I'm glad they got what they wanted. They deserve it, for all the hard work they've put in. I should visit them sometime in the near future."*

Then a nod was offered to his second statement.
*"I appreciate it. It's very rare I get visitors because all of my friends are super busy themselves. As much as I'd like to say I'm busy, I'm really not. My little sis' manages the store in my steed, and I spend most of my working hours managing my crew. Only thing is, my crew spends a week in Kadho and three overseas. I end up spending a lot of time kickin' dirt. Can't leave 'cause of the war, can't work 'cause my crews out. It gets lonely."*
Thomas
*Livio failed to mention that doing so had risked the fall of Upper Mentia had Aulay not been the one who orchestrated it. Now the country was unified under Waltram... But his hometown was safe so it didn't matter much.*

"I can bring you along anytime. Just send me a letter or something."

*A comforting squeeze would be given as Carlyn laid out her situation. There were certainly dry spells for his own work as well, but she seemed to be stuck between two difficult responsibilities. Not that he was familiar with that word.*

"Maybe I should visit more often. Should we get something to eat maybe?"
David
*"Hummnnn... Mnhnnn... Sure! There's a place that broils and grills seafood near here. They make a masterful lobster plate. It's expensive but... I'll pay! Or, well, my parents will. They've gotten so rich lately they hardly notice a tab on their bank."* Carlyn replied with a pleased nod and a giggle at the rhetoric. 

She took lead once again and pulled him into the sidestreets and off the port. Seems she knew where she was going, and was eager to go as well.
Thomas
"Sounds good! Though, what's a 'lobster'?"

*Livio had only ever heard of a lobster. Apparently it was something from the sea, a fish but not a fish, with a bright red shell like a scorpion with claws like gigantic shears. He wasn't sure how it tasted, only eating land animals his entire life.*

"Oh please, it's been payday after payday for me! I can pay too."

*Like before, Livio found himself being dragged as if Carlyn was on a leash and he was holding it.*
David
*"It's like... A big crawdad, or shrimp. Very light flavor. Or, well, I think. I've never had a lobster either, I've just heard good things."*

Eventually, after really not that far of a walk, Carlyn had led them to a small but wealthy looking portside bar. 

*"My treat, Livio. For coming all this way. Let me pay, okay?"* Carlyn requested as she finally let go of his hand and walked inside, holding the door for him.
Thomas
"I don't know what those are either-"

*Well, there was no stopping Carlyn. He knew how stubborn she could get. And he was easily swayed as well. Plus, she knew the area. Carlyn would be his guide for the day.*

"Alright alright, you want to flex all your wealth on a merc like me."

*His smile widened as he teased the dog, and made sure to keep the door open with his hand as he walked in.*
David
The two were tended by a charismatic waiter, of whom Carlyn bantered with for a few moments with. Seems she was just as friendly with the locals as she was with everyone else. They even knew each other by name - or rather, Michael and Ms. Cydonia. Seems she's on the hot plate of reputation for her business growth. It was nice to see.

*"Hush, Livio. Let me spoil you a litle bit, okay?"* Carlyn shot as they were seated, giving a playful punch at his shoulder. She was smiling just as brightly as Livio. 

Paper menus were offered to them with various different items written across. Carlyn took a small look over the menu but already knew what she wanted, and so with waving tail she waited patiently for Livio to make his choice so they could resume chatting.
Thomas
"You've made quite the name for yourself."

*Carlyn's fist would meet a rock for a shoulder under his cloak. Seems like he's been working overtime. Livio looked at the menu, intrigiued by the options. Shrimp, crab, fish... All of this was foreign to him. Except for fish. He had eaten them from rivers before.*

*What caught his eye though was something called "Surf and Turf". A steak __and__ lobster? He wasn't sure what lobster was, but the menu made it sound delicious. And he loved steak.*

"Have you ever had Surf and Turf? Is it good?"
David
*"Huh?"* 
Carlyn took another look at her menu with a disgruntled hum. She should have gotten that. Steak *And* Lobster? Man. She frowned a bit.

*"Looks good... I should've gotten it, I like steak too. Oh well."* 

A sigh escaped her mouth as she came to terms with what was. She'd live with just lobster. Or steal steak from Livio. Either worked.
Thomas
"Don't worry, I'll give you some meat."

*In response to her frown and sigh, she would once again feel hands ruffling her hair and ears.*

"I'm not familiar with lobster, so I thought I'd get something I'm familiar with as well."
David
Her face and ears perked at the agreement to pass her some, and she smiled at Livio. 

*"I'll buy you... Something! Dunno what but I'll make it up to you, okay?"*
Thomas
"Haha, I'll take you up on that!"

*After they ordered, bread would come first, which Livio would happily indulge in. He cut one warm roll open, spreading a generous portion of butter over it.*

"How'd you get that crew of yours? They seem loyal."
David
*"They came with the ship. Quite a sink of money, it was. The Captain, Palmer Moorse, has been sailing for decades now, and the crew has worked under him for most of their lives. His sons and daughters of the sea. They've been under my management for about two years now, around the time I left Mentia and came back home. It was an impulsive buy buuuut it all worked out in the end."*

Carlyn seemed to be fairly happy about her situation a crew, and spoke of them well.
Her eyes, however, did not leave Livio's plate. She wondered how in the hell his food got to him first, since he had more.
Thomas
*Livio did wonder how his food got here first. Perhaps they were just treating him because he was new? Regardless, he too looked at his food. Well-seared steak paired with a buttery lobster tail cracked open.*

"That's a lobster? Why is it missing a head? Does it swim like a fish?"

*Livio took his fork and knife, sinking the tines into the beef, then slicing the steak open to reveal a juicy pink center. He took the first bite slowly, chewing in order to savor the flavor.*

"Mmh, that's good!"
David
Carlyn quietly and very slowly reached her hand over to his lobster to try picking off a piece for herself to see if he would comment on it. She had her own coming, she was just... Limit testing, we'll say.
She's got a small smile on her face and her gaze was cast off towards the other side of the room.

Little thief.
Thomas
*His eyes were sharp, and he didn't miss a detail. He saw Carlyn's slow attempt at going for the lobster, but did nothing. Instead, he proceeded to cut another slice of steak. Her hand would almost reach the lobster, before finding the juicy, delicious meat in her mouth.*

"If you wanted it, you could have asked."
David
*"Mphmh."*

Carlyn looked back to Livio, her face was pleased with the steak.
Chew, chew... Swallow.

*"That's... Just as good as it looked!"* She said with a happy smile, and then her own food finally come.
*"Thank you, Livio. You're really sweet, you know that?"*
Thomas
"I said I'd give you some steak wouldn't I?"

*Livio took his fork back as Carlyn's dish came, offering a smile.*

"How couldn't I be for someone as cute as yourself?"

*He cut into the buttery lobster, separating the shell from the meat with a pop, then made sure the meat was soaked in butter before taking a bite.*

"Woah, that's good! I definitely should visit more often-"
David
The dog gave an abashed look away and towards her food. Not often she was complemented like that.
Cute was a first for her - in any way that actually meant something to her. Her captain and her parents called her such, but she had always blown it off. In this situation, though? Totally different story.

She took a bite of her own lobster to follow the steak and that blush faded to bliss. She clearly enjoyed the lobster more than just a bit. Might just be a new favorite for her.

*"Gosh, that's... Really good!"* Exclaimed Carlyn, who took a double-take at what sat on her plate. Certainly didn't *Look* At good as it tasted. Damned deceiving shellfish. *"Made the right choice, then."*